Exercise motives of long-term phase IV cardiac rehabilitation participants

Abstract

Objectives To identify the exercise motives of long-term phase IV cardiac rehabilitation participants. Design A two-stage triangulation approach was used where more than one methodology is used, either sequentially or concurrently, in a study. Setting Phase IV cardiac rehabilitation classes held in the community. Participants Fifty-five phase IV participants (30 men aged 66 ± 7.4 years and 25 women aged 69 ± 6.5 years) completed the Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2). Four women and five men were in the focus groups (men aged 65 ± 5.7 years and women aged 68 ± 5.4 years). All the participants had attended phase IV exercise sessions for at least 5 years. Results Motivational drivers of ill-health avoidance and positive health were consistently rated highly by men and women, as were social support and fun. Intrinsic motivational drivers of nimbleness, enjoyment and revitalisation were also rated highly by men and women. Only two areas were rated significantly higher by men [i.e. attachment to the group), 3 (2.5 to 3.8) for males and 2.5 (2.0 to 3.0) for females ( P = 0.022); and stress management, 3.3 (1.4 to 4.3) for males and 2 (1.4 to 3.0) for females ( P = 0.028). Weight management, competition, challenge, appearance and social recognition were consistently given a low rating by men and women. Conclusions Key motivational factors influence exercise participation. For rehabilitation providers, it is important to have an understanding of these factors and furthermore be able to shape and adapt programmes to promote uptake and maintain exercise adherence.